CLARION, Pa. – United Way of Clarion County announced the availability of grants through two dynamic programs supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and one made possible through funding from the PA Department of Community & Economic Development.
These three grants, administered by United Way of Clarion County include:
Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program: The PCA’s CEA Program is tailored to empower creative entrepreneurs by providing them with essential resources to launch or grow their for-profit businesses. Eligible individuals who aspire to start a new venture or who currently operate a for-profit micro business can apply for grants of up to $2,000. In addition to financial assistance, grant recipients will gain access to small business consulting services, helping them build a strong foundation for long-term success.
Applications for the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program are accepted on a rolling basis and available, along with the guidelines at UWClarionCo.org under the PPA Partner in the Arts tab.
Since its launch, United Way of Clarion County has supported over 30 artists with grants and other assistance throughout the 5-County region.
Creative Sector Flex Fund: The PCA’s CSFF is specifically designed to address the evolving needs of non-profit arts organizations (or non-art organizations with an art component) in Pennsylvania with an average annual revenue between $10,000 and $200,000.
The CSFF offers grantees the flexibility to use $5,000 grants in ways that will have the most significant impact on their organizations and the communities they serve. Whether for administrative, programmatic, or project-related expenses, the eligible uses of funds are broad, allowing organizations to respond to their most pressing needs.
Creative Sector Flex Fund applications are now being accepted. Guidelines and applications are available at UWClarionCo.org under the PPA Partner in the Arts tab.
The application deadline is October 30, 2024.
PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program: The DCED’s re-granting PA ACR Program provides $3,000 grants to artists and other creative entrepreneurs who derived the majority of their pre-pandemic income from their artistic practice, and experienced a significant pandemic-related disruption to their income.
The PA ARC application will open on October 1 and is due November 30, 2024.
“United Way of Clarion County is committed to fostering creativity and supporting the arts in our community,” said Melissa Fulton Executive Director of United Way of Clarion County. “These grant programs offer invaluable opportunities for both individual entrepreneurs and arts organizations to access the resources they need to thrive. We encourage all eligible applicants to take advantage of these grants and contribute to the vibrancy of our local creative economy.”
There will be 5 information sessions held where attendees will learn about the grants available, eligibility, guidelines, and the application process. Sessions are free and anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to RSVP at [email protected] or 814-226-8760.
September 12, 6:00 p.m., at the Artists Hand Gallery, Indiana, Pa.
September 17, 6:00 p.m., at the Watershed Books and Literary Arts Center, Brookville, Pa.
September 19, 6:00 p.m., at the Armstrong County Community Foundation, Kittanning, Pa.
September 24, 6:00 p.m., at the Butler Art Center & Gallery, Butler, Pa.
September 26, 6:00 p.m., at Michelle’s Café, Clarion, Pa.